Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third biggest island, with over 90% of it being made up of shrub land, forest, and eucalyptus trees
It is the perfect place for Australian animals to call home.
Threatened Native Wildlife
Kangaroo Island is home to an abundance of wildlife, you will certainly see kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, possums, and all the other well known adorable Aussie animals. Not only do these animals call the island home, but there are also many threatened and endangered animals on Kangaroo Island. When visiting keep an eye out for the Australian sea lion, glossy black cockatoos, adorable little penguins, the short-beaked echidna and so many more unique animals.
Kangaroos
You guessed it, there are tens of thousands of kangaroos roaming around Kangaroo Island, 60,000 to be exact. There is only one species of kangaroos on the island and their scientific name is the Macropus Fuliginosus. They are smaller than the typical mainland Australian kangaroo, with darker brown fur that is long and thick. Females are on average 1-1.5 metres all and the males can up to be 2 metres.
Marine Animals
The waters surrounding Kangaroo Island are full of unbelievable wildlife. Several species of whales and dolphins are known to be in the area, including the Southern Right Whale, Killer Whale, Sperm Whale, and Bottle Nosed Dolphin. Australian and New Zealand Fur Seals are commonly seen lazing on the rocks and be sure to keep an eye out for the unique Australian sea lion.
Kangaroo Island itself
Kangaroo Island is located just 20 kilometres off the coast of Australia and is best accessed from the city of Adelaide by a guided tour. The Island is quite large, expanding over 4,000 square kilometres. Although the island is large, the population is not. Only 4,200 people call Kangaroo Island home, and there is one main town, called Kingscote, where the majority of the population resides. The Island is known for its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and virtually untouched natural landscapes. It attracts visitors from all over the world specifically to see the beauty of the island.
Conservation
Kangaroo Island is a truly unique region of Australia and is home to a variety of rare and threatened wildlife species. Conservation is a huge part of Kangaroo Island, and there are many programs to ensure that the habitats and eco systems are managed affectively. Initiatives include the implementation of several national, conservations and wilderness parks across the island, monitoring programs for those endangered species, and clearance of native vegetation just to name a few.
Related article: What is the difference between a Kangaroo and a Wallaby?
Recommended Kangaroo Island Tours: 1 Day Kangaroo Island Tour
Price: $310
Company: Sightseeing Tours Australia
About the Author
Carolina Burgio is a travel blogger based in the fantastic Melbourne. Carolina is the owner at Life Well Travelled.
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